Trump Revisits Controversial "Shithole Countries" Remark in Pennsylvania Speech

During a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2025, President Donald Trump revisited his controversial 2018 comments about immigrants from "shithole countries," explicitly acknowledging his use of the term while discussing immigration policy. This admission comes nearly eight years after the original incident, which sparked widespread outrage and accusations of racism.

New York Times

In January 2018, during a closed-door meeting with lawmakers regarding immigration reform, Trump reportedly questioned why the U.S. should accept immigrants from countries he described as "shithole countries," specifically mentioning Haiti and several African nations. At the time, Trump denied using the term, with some Republican senators present claiming they did not recall such language. However, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin confirmed Trump's remarks, leading to international condemnation and backlash from various political figures.

CNN

In his recent speech, Trump reiterated his stance on immigration, stating he had announced a "permanent pause on Third World migration, including from hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, and many other countries." When an audience member shouted the term "shithole," Trump laughed and responded, “I didn’t say ‘shithole,’ you did,” before recalling his earlier comments about wanting immigrants from countries like Norway and Sweden instead of those he deemed problematic. He described Somalia as “filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime,” echoing sentiments from his previous remarks.

CNNForbesAssociated PressTime MagazineNew York Times

Trump's comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota and a vocal critic of Trump, described his fixation on her as "beyond weird" and accused him of resorting to "bigoted lies" due to a lack of economic policies. Additionally, Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Cory Booker, condemned Trump's rhetoric as "xenophobic and unacceptable," arguing that it undermines the contributions of immigrant communities.

Time Magazine

In response to Trump's recent remarks, immigration advocacy groups have expressed concern that his inflammatory language could incite further discrimination against immigrant communities. The backlash reflects a broader unease about Trump's immigration policies, particularly in light of rising economic anxiety among Americans. Critics argue that his focus on immigrants as scapegoats detracts from addressing the real issues affecting the economy.

New York Times

While Trump has confirmed his use of the term "shithole," there remains a discrepancy in the accounts of those present at the 2018 meeting. Some Republican senators, including Tom Cotton and David Perdue, have maintained that they do not recall Trump using such language, while Durbin has consistently affirmed that Trump did make the remarks. This ongoing debate highlights the polarized interpretations of Trump's statements and their implications.

CNN

• “We had a meeting and I said, ‘Why is it we only take people from shithole countries,’ right? ‘Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden?’” — Donald Trump

Associated Press

• “Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead,” — Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative

Time Magazine

• “Instead of using the power of the presidency to bring our country together, President Trump chose to attack an American immigrant community, the overwhelming majority of whom are law-abiding and have made many positive contributions to the United States,” — Democratic Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs

Time Magazine

Trump's remarks and the ensuing reactions underscore the contentious nature of immigration discourse in the United States, particularly as it intersects with issues of race and economic policy.

Time Magazine